If you are new to birdwatching or would like to sharpen your bird identification skills, this event will immerse you in the quest to learn and identify the birds that return to New England each spring.
Spring in New England is an ideal time to explore the world of birds. And who better to guide you than Peter Alden, one of our region’s most experienced birding authors and instructors. Through an in-person talk, an online course, and a field trip, you’ll become conversant with one hundred bird species arriving in early May.
Session One: The Birds that return in May
Sunday April 27: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Our first session will focus on birds arriving later in the spring, group by region. May is the key month for the return of our most colorful songbirds. Most of these spend the winter in the tropics of southern Mexico, Central and South America. They migrate at night with a tailwind in waves and drop in each dawn to preferred habitat. Most are searching for insects or nectar on the flowers and leaves as they unfurl. We'll get to know the birds from photos, field marks, vocalizations, habitat and behavior. Location: Peter Alden Residence, 11 Riverside Ave., W. Concord
Session Two: Spring Birding at Mount Auburn Cemetery
Saturday May 10: 8:00am-10:30am
Our second meeting will be a field trip to one of the region’s hotspots for bird migration: Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Mount Auburn was the first Botanical Garden/Cemetery in America. In May there are flowering trees and shrubs along the paths and several ponds we visit. On many mornings a fallout of migrant birds headed for here or further north will zero in on this oasis. Some days over a dozen species of warblers will be seen. Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, vireos, thrushes and flycatchers are likely. Location: Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
A bonus will include an online course from Spark Birding on spring migration. This material will re-enforce your in-person instruction with descriptions of each bird, videos, and quizzes.
Enjoy your new hobby and let's go birding!
All levels of birdwatching experience are welcome!
NOTE: Please register as soon as possible as the event is limited to 16 participants.
